New Officers Elected To Public Affairs Team

The Coalition for Space
Exploration officially announced Wednesday its leadership for 2008.
Mary Engola, of Ball Aerospace and Technologies Corporation, has
been named the organization’s new chairwoman, and will serve
a one-year term effective January 2008 through December 2008.

The Coalition for Space Exploration is a collaboration of space
industry businesses and advocacy groups whose mission is to educate
and inform the public on the value and benefits of space
exploration and to help ensure the United States will remain a
leader in space, science and technology.

Engola will lead the Public Affairs Team, which conducts the
organization’s marketing, communications and public outreach
efforts. In this capacity, she will collaborate with the
organization’s Government Affairs Team to support its work as
well.

"Mary has been an active, valued member of the Public Affairs
and Government Affairs Teams for the Coalition," said Joe Mayer,
the organization’s outgoing chairman. “Her move into
this role will advance the mission of our organization."

Engola is currently the
manager of customer and industry relations for Ball Aerospace,
where she develops and disseminates key messages, strategic plans
and communications strategies. Prior to this position, she was the
legislative affairs specialist for the company’s Washington,
DC operations. Engola represents Ball in local and national
advocacy groups, and has received a Citation for Space Exploration
Advocacy. She has been an active member of the Coalition since its
inception.

"I am honored to have this opportunity with the Coalition and am
eager to implement our plans for 2008," said Engola (above right).
"Our primary goal is to secure political support and budget
resources for NASA and space exploration. We have also identified
opportunities for public outreach to promote understanding and the
benefits generated from space exploration."

The Coalition also selected Tracy Lamm of Pratt Whitney &
Rocketdyne, Inc. as deputy chairman for 2008. Lamm will serve the
Public Affairs Team in a supporting role to Engola to facilitate
activities and outreach throughout the year.

Lamm (right) is
communications manager for PWR, where he oversees all Southeastern
state government, local community and customer relations efforts
and supports the company’s activities at NASA’s
Marshall Space Flight Center, Kennedy Space Center and Stennis
Space Center. He previously worked at MSFC on government relations
and outreach. Lamm also served as a Congressional fellow from NASA
and the intergovernmental affairs officer while at NASA
headquarters. He holds a leadership role with the Alabama Space
Coalition and works with several other space advocacy
organizations.

"Tracy’s extensive knowledge of the space program and his
long-standing relationship with NASA complement the work of the
Coalition and will contribute to the success for our plans in
2008," said Mayer (below, right).

In 2007, the Coalition coordinated several grassroots events
across the country targeting a variety of audiences from
Congressional leaders on the Hill to youth at the X Games in Los
Angeles. The organization uses a variety of marketing
communications tools – public relations, advertising, video
blogs, online media and opinion editorials – to disseminate
messages about the importance of space exploration.

The Coalition has also sponsored a series of Gallup public
opinion polls, which have shown strong support for America’s
investment in space.

"As we look to the next phase of space exploration, it is
crucial for us to educate and inspire others to support NASA and
its programs," said Engola. "This is a critical time for our
industry, and advocacy organizations like the Coalition play an
instrumental role as we transition into the future."